We are always excited to experiment with new product ranges at Joseph Ferraro Hair, particularly those that tie in with our natural hair care ethos.
The latest range to be sampled comes from Original & Mineral, or O&M as the company is more widely known, and has certainly not disappointed. In fact it created such a buzz amongst the team that we decided to add some of our favourites into the online collection for you to try.
This innovative Australian haircare brand focuses on replacing harsh chemicals with active natural minerals and essential oils. With a brand ethos to only create products that are safe, effective and beautiful to use, O&M features some of the most gentle haircare formulas on the market. The collection incorporates numerous ingredients native to Australia, such as Banksia Flower, Lilly Pilly, Quandong, Davidson Plum and Tasmanian Sea Kelp, to deliver an exceptional array of benefits that promote super healthy hair.
A Little History …….
O&M was founded by Jose Bryce Smith, whose hairdressing journey began when she worked as a receptionist in the salon she ran with her former partner. Noticing first-hand how harsh chemical products affected both stylists and clients, she spotted a huge gap in the market and set about achieving what many chemists had already declared impossible.
As Sydney’s first organic salon, there was a lot of excitement around the formulas Jose was creating so she was initially keen to keep the collections a secret. As the business grew however, it became clear there was a greater demand than originally thought and in 2010, the O&M method of haircare and styling was launched. Today, O&M’s natural low-chemical hair colours, shampoos, conditioners and styling products are stocked in salons around the globe.
Free From Five Formulation
All O&M products have a ‘free from five’ formulation which guarantees they do not contain the following:
- No harmful sulphates
- No parabens
- No MIT (Methylisothiazolinone – a chemical that inhibits bacterial growth in liquids but is known to cause skin reactions, sensitisation, inhalation toxicity and rashes
- No triclosan – a preservative to prevent bacteria. Proven to be an endocrine disruptor, Triclosan is irritating to the skin and eyes and is very toxic to aquatic organisms within the environment
- No propylene glycol – an ingredient that helps to retain a product’s moisture level and prevent it from drying out. It is however, a harsh chemical that removes the hair’s natural oils, leading to scalp irritation, itchiness and hair loss
Certified by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), the O&M range is recognised as a cruelty-free brand with a commitment to end animal testing. Neither the products or their individual ingredients have been, or ever will be, tested on animals.
Our Top Picks
Here are a few of our road-tested O&M favourites!
Know Knott Spray (250ml) £23 *Hair Awards 2023 Finalist
Get tangle-free with this nourishing leave-in treatment that features the O&M Signature Oil Blend of Organic Coconut and Macadamia Oils. Combined with Quandong, a native Australian desert extract high in Vitamin C, these superheroes help to recondition the hair, hydrating it and ensuring that it remains glossy and knot free.
The treatment also contains Desert Lime – a natural antioxidant that helps fight free radicals and prevent premature ageing, along with Pro-Vitamin B5 to shield coloured hair from UV damage and protect against colour fade.
To use: Simply towel dry hair, section and spritz liberally.
Project Sukuroi (100g) £38 *Hair Awards 2023 Winner
Designed to return dry, brittle and damaged hair back to its virgin state, Project Sukuroi contains Gold of Pleasure Oil. Originating from a flowering plant known as Camelina, this light oil hydrates and conditions, delivering a smooth and featherlike softness to hair in need of repair. Due to the oil’s antioxidant properties, hair remains protected from aging processes. Keratin rebuilds and smoothens the hair shaft and native Australian Macadamia Oil adds gloss and shine.
To use: Apply a fingertip scoop to clean, damp hair and comb through. Style with a blow dryer or irons.
Hydrate and Conquer Shampoo and Conditioner (350ml) £26
The O&M Hydrate and Conquer shampoo and conditioner have been specifically formulated to rejuvenate dry, distressed or colour-treated hair.
Both products contain Tasmanian Sea Kelp, a nutrient-rich ingredient packed with essential vitamins; Vitamin A to support a healthy scalp, Vitamin B to promote hair growth, Vitamin C to protect against environmental damage and Vitamin E, an antioxidant that contributes to overall hair health.
The second hero ingredient is certified Organic Coconut Oil, which provides the intense nourishment and hydration needed to make hair smoother and more manageable. A combination of 13 amino acids are also listed that help to repair surface damage and build body and shine.
Fine Intellect Shampoo and Conditioner (350ml) £26
Formulated to address the needs of fine and flyaway hair, the O&M Fine Intellect shampoo and conditioner have been designed to amplify locks, giving them a more voluminous appearance.
The products contain Lilly Pilly, a native Australian plant extract ingredient high in Vitamin C that acts as a natural collagen to plump the hair. Davidson Plum, a rainforest extract, helps to add fullness whilst also protecting hair from the harmful effects of oxidisation and sun damage.
The duo also benefit from the addition of Keratin, a protein which is found naturally in hair, that assists with strengthening, rebuilding and smoothing the overall hair structure to make it appear more vibrant and healthy.
Maintain the Mane Shampoo and Conditioner (350ml) £26
Maintain the Mane shampoo and conditioner are designed to help keep hair looking its finest. Suitable for use on a daily basis, this moisturising duo provides ongoing hydration. Pro Vitamin B5 nourishes the scalp whilst Banksia, a native Australian tree extract rich in antioxidants and amino acids, helps to smoothen and soften.
The Maintain the Mane range also lists the Red Spider Flower within its ingredients, a native Australian flower extract that has the ability to nourish and revitalise hair, whilst Evening Primrose Oil, assists with moisture retention.
This blend of ingredients offers protection from the effects of environmental stress, such as pollution, adverse weather conditions and sun exposure, which can all wreak havoc on scalp health and lead to itching and inflammation.
The O&M mantra of infusing nature into luxury haircare has certainly been met with the products they have brought to market. Each of the formulas harness a multitude of natural hair care ingredients, that are not only kinder to your hair and skin but also kinder to the environment.
If you’re looking to switch up your routine, the O&M collection is certainly worth a try!
Joseph Ferraro Hair (JFH) Ltd is a team of professional stylists that deliver exceptional hairdressing services for the individual. Owned and founded by Authentic Beauty Concept Ambassador and North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year (2016), Joseph Ferraro, the JFH team is dedicated to providing expert hair care. Should you need further information or advice on our range of products or wish to speak to a member of the team, please email enquiries@josephferraroonline.co.uk